CalFresh Food
CalFresh Food, known federally as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), provides a monthly cash supplement loaded onto a debit/EBT card to purchase groceries. CalFresh Food assistance has helped many students who are experiencing budget restraints.
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Santa Clara & San Mateo Residents >>> Request CalFresh Food Sign Up Assistance from Second Harvest of Silicon Valley | |
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| Students outside of Santa Clara & San Mateo counties (including other states) please consider this National SNAP Directory. |
Common Eligibility Requirements
Students must meet all of the following for college student eligibility:
- Between ages 18-49
- Enrolled at least half-time as an SJSU student
- Not on a campus meal plan with 11+ meals per week
- Be mentally and physically fit for work
Students must meet at least one of the following exemptions:
- Work an average of 20+ hours per week
- Have a child/dependent 12 or younger
- Receive CalGrant A or B
- In a Local Program that Increases Employability (LPIE)
- Participating in Work Study
Remember, if you’ve recently experienced a loss or decrease in employment income, you may be newly eligible for CalFresh Food, and should reapply.
Signing Up/Sign-Up Assistance
Students can apply themselves, but we highly recommend using one of the following sign-up assistance programs where trained staff/volunteers can help guide you through the process.
SJSU Cares partners with Second Harvest of Silicon Valley in offering CalFresh Food assistance to students in Santa Clara & San Mateo County by phone: 1-800-984-3663 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm) or by requesting them to reach out to you.
Sign up for CalFresh Food Without Assistance
To see if you are eligible, go to the BenefitsCal website and click “Apply for Benefits."
If you need assistance with the application process, email calfresh@sjsu.edu
Farmer's Markets and CalFresh Food
Many farmers markets will double your money if you use CalFresh Food to purchase your fruits and vegetables!
